The finest chocolate the world has to offer is usually not so readily available in the local supermarket. Those sold in convenience stores and groceries are the mass-produced ones we’ve all grown so accustomed to – Hershey’s, M&M’s, KitKat, Toblerone, Cadbury, and maybe a Lindt here and there. For a truly chocolate experience, you have to probe deeper and go to specialty shops. Italian, French, Belgian, Swiss, German, Japanese, and Spanish chocolates are sold in these little chocolate shops which offer overwhelmingly diverse options that can make any chocoholic go crazy with glee with the sheer amount of choices. When it comes to defining what the “best” chocolate is, it still is a matter of preference and taste. Chocolates from different countries have distinct flavors and aromas that are unique to their origin. The best way to truly know what a gem is from a sham is to expand your palate and your chocolate experience. Below are some tips for hunting the best chocolate in town.
Trying Out Chocolate Shops
In Belgium, there are more than 2,000 chocolate shops owned by chocolate manufacturers who make their chocolate by hand. You can’t get any fresher than that! In the U.S., there are little chocolate shops sprouting across the country. They either import the chocolates from the best chocolate-manufacturing countries and upscale brands or they make their own from imported cocoa. Chocolatiers and chocolate makers such as La Maison make exquisitely luxurious chocolates packaged in pretty boxes that are beautiful enough to present as an elegant gift. Most of these shops offer a wide array of expensive chocolate such as dark chocolate truffles, ganaches, and mendiants (chocolate sprinkled with assorted nuts or dried fruits), marrons glaces, and caramels.
Go Organic
Organic chocolate ensures only the purest and most natural ingredients. These types of chocolate are made from cocoa that are organically grown without any genetic engineering and pesticides. The result is pure chocolate goodness that melts delightfully in the mouth. Organic milk chocolate is also better because it is manufactured with milk that is free of recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH), the artificial hormone injected to cows to increase their milk production. Organic chocolates may also prove to be healthier as some use soy instead of milk and others are free of sugar, called diabetic chocolate, for those who simply can’t resist chocolate but could not afford to consume sweets for health reasons.
Always Look for Freshness
When sampling chocolate, buy from a source that you know is fresh. Always check the date when it was manufactured. Purchase chocolate that is as fresh as possible to experience its full flavor. Chocolate has a long shelf life when properly stored and can be eaten even after two years from its manufacture date, but its richness diminishes over time. Furthermore, chocolate that has not been properly stored, even when it has not yet reached its expiration date, can become stale and inedible. When you break a chocolate bar into two, it should still be creamy and compact, not crumbled and dry. Dry edges on the chocolate means that it is not fresh or do not have enough amount of cocoa butter.
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Monday, 23 March 2009
The Hot Chocolate Maker
What is hot chocolate and how do you make it using hot chocolate maker? Across the globe, hot chocolate is a very popular drink. While some might think of it as almost a medicine, an instant mood lifter, there are others who drink it just because it tastes good. No wonder hot chocolate makers are one of the most popular machines sold after coffee machines.
No more messing with boiling water or scalding milk. In this neat little machine, you just add your liquid, chocolate or cocoa mix to the goblet top, snap on the lid and you have a mug of tempting hot chocolate in just a few minutes!
How does the machine function?
Some models of hot chocolate makers, like the Tassimo Hot Beverage Maker, have special pods called T-DISCS that can be used to brew drinks. This T-DISCS contains the precise amount of chocolate and dry milk needed. Every disc has a barcode that is read by the machine when it is inserted. Based on the instructions it gives, the right amount of water will be pumped through the disc. You can also set the machine to make the strength of hot chocolate you want.
How can a hot chocolate maker help you?
Hot chocolate and family gatherings go hand in hand. This machine puts an end to overheated milk, milk boiling over on the stovetop and scorched pans to clean. The milk or water is heated to just the right temperature and in a few minutes, the machine whips up as many as four frothy cups of hot chocolate that you can enjoy on a chilly winter evening.
Features of hot chocolate maker:
•Makes 2 to 4 cups of hot chocolate at a time
•The hot chocolate maker heats milk to just the right temperature. There is no boiling over or scorching
•The mixing disc thoroughly whips hot chocolate and other cocoa- or chocolate-based drinks as soon as you press the button.
•Finished drink has a frothy top for a delicious treat.
•It is easy to use.
•The machine is Easy to clean
The prices of this machine start from as low as $ 20 and go to $ 2000.
What to look for when buying a hot chocolate maker:
1.Construction: It should be made of durable materials so it will last a long time.
2.Work reliably: It should be able to make your drink in a minimum amount of time and be set according to your tastes.
3.User friendly: The hot chocolate maker that you purchase should be easy to use.
4.Compactness: The machine should not take much of your valuable workplace in the kitchen.
5.There should be no flavor transfer as you switch from one type of drink to another.
Best-known brands to buy:
1. Mr. Coffee’s Cocomotion machine. Mr. Coffee is probably about the best-known maker of hot beverage machine around. Mr. Coffee has a reputation for reliability, maker it a top choice.
2.Tassimo from Braun is also one of the better-known appliances available. In addition to many kinds of coffee, this machine can make excellent Suchard Hot Chocolate drink.
Summary: A hot, comforting mug of hot chocolate on a chilly evening without any of the fuss - this is what you can easily have with a good hot chocolate maker. So choose the model you prefer and get cozy with a mug this winter.
No more messing with boiling water or scalding milk. In this neat little machine, you just add your liquid, chocolate or cocoa mix to the goblet top, snap on the lid and you have a mug of tempting hot chocolate in just a few minutes!
How does the machine function?
Some models of hot chocolate makers, like the Tassimo Hot Beverage Maker, have special pods called T-DISCS that can be used to brew drinks. This T-DISCS contains the precise amount of chocolate and dry milk needed. Every disc has a barcode that is read by the machine when it is inserted. Based on the instructions it gives, the right amount of water will be pumped through the disc. You can also set the machine to make the strength of hot chocolate you want.
How can a hot chocolate maker help you?
Hot chocolate and family gatherings go hand in hand. This machine puts an end to overheated milk, milk boiling over on the stovetop and scorched pans to clean. The milk or water is heated to just the right temperature and in a few minutes, the machine whips up as many as four frothy cups of hot chocolate that you can enjoy on a chilly winter evening.
Features of hot chocolate maker:
•Makes 2 to 4 cups of hot chocolate at a time
•The hot chocolate maker heats milk to just the right temperature. There is no boiling over or scorching
•The mixing disc thoroughly whips hot chocolate and other cocoa- or chocolate-based drinks as soon as you press the button.
•Finished drink has a frothy top for a delicious treat.
•It is easy to use.
•The machine is Easy to clean
The prices of this machine start from as low as $ 20 and go to $ 2000.
What to look for when buying a hot chocolate maker:
1.Construction: It should be made of durable materials so it will last a long time.
2.Work reliably: It should be able to make your drink in a minimum amount of time and be set according to your tastes.
3.User friendly: The hot chocolate maker that you purchase should be easy to use.
4.Compactness: The machine should not take much of your valuable workplace in the kitchen.
5.There should be no flavor transfer as you switch from one type of drink to another.
Best-known brands to buy:
1. Mr. Coffee’s Cocomotion machine. Mr. Coffee is probably about the best-known maker of hot beverage machine around. Mr. Coffee has a reputation for reliability, maker it a top choice.
2.Tassimo from Braun is also one of the better-known appliances available. In addition to many kinds of coffee, this machine can make excellent Suchard Hot Chocolate drink.
Summary: A hot, comforting mug of hot chocolate on a chilly evening without any of the fuss - this is what you can easily have with a good hot chocolate maker. So choose the model you prefer and get cozy with a mug this winter.
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Too Much Chocolate Causes Acne?
In this article we're going to try to clear up the myth that eating too much chocolate causes acne.
You've heard all the warnings by your mother growing up. "Don't eat too much chocolate, you'll break out!" You'd have to sneak out of the house to get a chocolate fix. And if you were like most kids, you did anything to get that fix.
Chocolate has been blamed for many ailments including acne, tooth decay, obesity, and lacking of food value. It has also been known to have an anti-depressant effect, cause hypertension and even have an aphrodisiac effect.
We know that chocolate is basically harmless unless, like everything else, it is over-consumed. Chocolate has been found not to cause nor aggravate outbreaks of acne. These results are backed up by further research that shows acne in no way is affected by chocolate.
Recent scientific studies have suggested chocolate boosts the serotonin in the brain that produces a calming effect and stability. Stress has been identified as a cause of acne. If chocolate stimulates the serotonin and calms the nerves, then chocolate could ironically be found to assist in acne restraint.
Chocolate lovers will be pleased to know that nutritionists believe chocolate plays a nutritional role in a balanced diet. The facts are that chocolate carries about one-third of an adult's daily requirement of antioxidants.
For starters, bad hygiene is one of the worst causes of bad complexions. Let's face it, most teenagers, especially boys, are too busy outside playing sports and getting dirty. Washing up is not exactly a priority to them. And when dirty hands touch dirty faces that is just prime breeding ground for acne.
Then there is the matter of diet outside of chocolate. One of the main causes of acne is oil. Many of the foods that teenagers eat have lots of oil in them. One of the main offenders is pizza. Let's be honest, a teenager without at least five slices of pizza during the week is not a teenager. Most kids who eat in school will choose that slice of pizza over whatever there may be served that day that is at least somewhat healthy.
Then there is the next thing on the list, fried foods. Fried foods make up more of a teenagers diet than just about anything else. Most kids live out of a Burger King, Wendy's or McDonalds. French Fries are certainly number one on any kids hit parade. And who doesn't just love a good bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken?
But to further disprove that chocolate actually causes acne, there are a number of new skin care products on the market that are actually made of chocolate or have chocolate as an ingredient.
There are some companies that put chocolate into their skin creams as a softener. According to these companies, the antioxidants of the chocolate also help in preventing wrinkles.
Theoretically, cocoa might actually prevent damage by free radicals to collagen, elastin and other proteins in the skin. Of course medical science has yet to either prove this or disprove this.
Proof or no proof, at least 90 chocolate based cosmetics popped up last year and the market for chocolate based cosmetics is growing daily. As a matter of fact the normal booth that is displayed at the Chocolate Show in New York has blossomed into a full blown spa. Consumers are claiming that the chocolate based skin care products that they are using do in fact have healing properties. Again, this has neither been proved or disproved.
The point is, there are many more offenders of bad skin than just chocolate and by avoiding fried foods and dirty hands, your teenager will more than likely have a cleaner skin.
You've heard all the warnings by your mother growing up. "Don't eat too much chocolate, you'll break out!" You'd have to sneak out of the house to get a chocolate fix. And if you were like most kids, you did anything to get that fix.
Chocolate has been blamed for many ailments including acne, tooth decay, obesity, and lacking of food value. It has also been known to have an anti-depressant effect, cause hypertension and even have an aphrodisiac effect.
We know that chocolate is basically harmless unless, like everything else, it is over-consumed. Chocolate has been found not to cause nor aggravate outbreaks of acne. These results are backed up by further research that shows acne in no way is affected by chocolate.
Recent scientific studies have suggested chocolate boosts the serotonin in the brain that produces a calming effect and stability. Stress has been identified as a cause of acne. If chocolate stimulates the serotonin and calms the nerves, then chocolate could ironically be found to assist in acne restraint.
Chocolate lovers will be pleased to know that nutritionists believe chocolate plays a nutritional role in a balanced diet. The facts are that chocolate carries about one-third of an adult's daily requirement of antioxidants.
For starters, bad hygiene is one of the worst causes of bad complexions. Let's face it, most teenagers, especially boys, are too busy outside playing sports and getting dirty. Washing up is not exactly a priority to them. And when dirty hands touch dirty faces that is just prime breeding ground for acne.
Then there is the matter of diet outside of chocolate. One of the main causes of acne is oil. Many of the foods that teenagers eat have lots of oil in them. One of the main offenders is pizza. Let's be honest, a teenager without at least five slices of pizza during the week is not a teenager. Most kids who eat in school will choose that slice of pizza over whatever there may be served that day that is at least somewhat healthy.
Then there is the next thing on the list, fried foods. Fried foods make up more of a teenagers diet than just about anything else. Most kids live out of a Burger King, Wendy's or McDonalds. French Fries are certainly number one on any kids hit parade. And who doesn't just love a good bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken?
But to further disprove that chocolate actually causes acne, there are a number of new skin care products on the market that are actually made of chocolate or have chocolate as an ingredient.
There are some companies that put chocolate into their skin creams as a softener. According to these companies, the antioxidants of the chocolate also help in preventing wrinkles.
Theoretically, cocoa might actually prevent damage by free radicals to collagen, elastin and other proteins in the skin. Of course medical science has yet to either prove this or disprove this.
Proof or no proof, at least 90 chocolate based cosmetics popped up last year and the market for chocolate based cosmetics is growing daily. As a matter of fact the normal booth that is displayed at the Chocolate Show in New York has blossomed into a full blown spa. Consumers are claiming that the chocolate based skin care products that they are using do in fact have healing properties. Again, this has neither been proved or disproved.
The point is, there are many more offenders of bad skin than just chocolate and by avoiding fried foods and dirty hands, your teenager will more than likely have a cleaner skin.
Friday, 13 March 2009
Can You Beleive That Chocolate Could Actually Be Good For Your Heart?
Chocolate has long been a favorite confection for people of all ages and now this tasty treat is receiving recognition for being good for your heart health as well. Studies have found that dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which help promote a healthy heart by improving the blood flow. This lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
What is an Antioxidant?
Antioxidants remove free radicals from the blood stream. Free radicals are a natural product of blood cells. The world is also filled with environmental toxins that also contribute to their production. There has been research that has discovered that eating dark chocolate lowers the risk of heart attacks and high blood pressure by removing the free radicals and ensuring that the blood can flow more freely through the veins. It is important to note that it is only the dark type of chocolate that has these benefits. Tests run on white and milk chocolate did not show these positive benefits.
What Research Was Done on Chocolate?
A Swiss team of researchers ran tests on 20 volunteers who were smokers. They were given 40 grams of chocolate and were not allowed to eat any other food that was rich in antioxidants like certain vegetables. After 2 hours, there was a marked improvement noted in the volunteers who ate dark chocolate that was made up of 74% cocoa. The improvement noted was in the improved flow of blood through the veins. The research also showed that the chocolate significantly reduced the risk of blockages by half.
How Much Chocolate Should I Eat?
You should try to include a portion of dark chocolate everyday, but before you run out to the grocery store to fill the larder with dark chocolate treats, remember that it also contains a lot of sugar and fat, right along with those antioxidants. Before you add it to your regular diet, decide how much you can safely eat without expanding your waistline. Naturally the more active you are, the more you will burn calories.
This would be true of people who exercise regularly or have jobs that require a lot of physical activity. If you have a sedentary job where you sit at a desk all day, or do not follow a regular exercise plan, than you should lower the portion of chocolate that you eat. If you don't follow an exercise plan, then consider starting one. Exercising three times a week for 30 minutes has also been shown to strengthen the heart. While you are improving your health with chocolate, you can get even greater benefits by including exercise to your regimen.
These new health benefits of dark chocolate will let you please both your heart and your palate.
What is an Antioxidant?
Antioxidants remove free radicals from the blood stream. Free radicals are a natural product of blood cells. The world is also filled with environmental toxins that also contribute to their production. There has been research that has discovered that eating dark chocolate lowers the risk of heart attacks and high blood pressure by removing the free radicals and ensuring that the blood can flow more freely through the veins. It is important to note that it is only the dark type of chocolate that has these benefits. Tests run on white and milk chocolate did not show these positive benefits.
What Research Was Done on Chocolate?
A Swiss team of researchers ran tests on 20 volunteers who were smokers. They were given 40 grams of chocolate and were not allowed to eat any other food that was rich in antioxidants like certain vegetables. After 2 hours, there was a marked improvement noted in the volunteers who ate dark chocolate that was made up of 74% cocoa. The improvement noted was in the improved flow of blood through the veins. The research also showed that the chocolate significantly reduced the risk of blockages by half.
How Much Chocolate Should I Eat?
You should try to include a portion of dark chocolate everyday, but before you run out to the grocery store to fill the larder with dark chocolate treats, remember that it also contains a lot of sugar and fat, right along with those antioxidants. Before you add it to your regular diet, decide how much you can safely eat without expanding your waistline. Naturally the more active you are, the more you will burn calories.
This would be true of people who exercise regularly or have jobs that require a lot of physical activity. If you have a sedentary job where you sit at a desk all day, or do not follow a regular exercise plan, than you should lower the portion of chocolate that you eat. If you don't follow an exercise plan, then consider starting one. Exercising three times a week for 30 minutes has also been shown to strengthen the heart. While you are improving your health with chocolate, you can get even greater benefits by including exercise to your regimen.
These new health benefits of dark chocolate will let you please both your heart and your palate.
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Two Great Family Favorite Chocolate Receipes
Southern chocolate cobbler:
Southern chocolate cobbler doesn't exactly sound like something edible. However, do try this recipe and you will be hooked. The following are ingredients needed to make the southern chocolate cobbler:
1 cup self-rising flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa, plus
1/4 cup baking cocoa, divided
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 3/4 cups hot water
Vanilla ice cream (optional)
These ingredients are enough for 6 to 8 servings. It takes a little bit of time to prepare, about 70 minutes but the end result will be worth it.
First, combine the flour, sugar and 2 tablespoons of cocoa. Add milk and oil and stir till smooth. Pour this combination onto a greased, 6 inch square baking pan. Mix the brown sugar and remaining cocoa and sprinkle liberally over the batter in the pan. Now pour hot water on top of the batter but don't stir it. Put in the oven and bake at 50 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until top of cake springs back when lightly touched.
Now after over an hour of baking, sit back, relax and enjoy the delicacy while still warm with ice cream on top. Yummy!
Chocolate oat cookies are a treat for the whole family. The recipe is so simple even your children can bake them in ten minutes!
To make them, you need the following ingredients:
* 3/4 lb. semisweet chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1 egg
* 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
* 3/4 cup all purpose flour
* 3/4 cup quick or old fashioned oats, uncooked
* 1 tsp. baking powder
* 1/4 tsp. baking soda
* 1/4 tsp. salt (optional)
Chocolate oat cookies:
First, preheat the oven to 375?F. While waiting for the oven to heat up, melt 1 cup of chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat. Beat butter and sugar in a bowl until fluffy while adding melted chocolate, egg and vanilla. Pour in the melted chocolate chips and stir well. Now place rounded tablespoonfuls of the mixture on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake them for 8 to 10 minutes. When it's done, leave to cool then place the cookies on to a wire rack.
If you wish to freeze the dessert, cool them quickly in the refrigerator to preserve the freshness. Then place them in freezer-proof containers or on sheets of aluminum foil. Make sure it is sealed properly by wrapping edges of the foil tightly. Place in the freezer. After awhile you may remove the baking sheet. Frozen cookies can be placed in the freezer for 2 months. If you wish to bake or reheat them, thaw completely before unwrapping.
The recipe for making chocolate oat cookies is kid safe. However, when using the oven and saucepan, parents' supervision is required.
Southern chocolate cobbler doesn't exactly sound like something edible. However, do try this recipe and you will be hooked. The following are ingredients needed to make the southern chocolate cobbler:
1 cup self-rising flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa, plus
1/4 cup baking cocoa, divided
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 3/4 cups hot water
Vanilla ice cream (optional)
These ingredients are enough for 6 to 8 servings. It takes a little bit of time to prepare, about 70 minutes but the end result will be worth it.
First, combine the flour, sugar and 2 tablespoons of cocoa. Add milk and oil and stir till smooth. Pour this combination onto a greased, 6 inch square baking pan. Mix the brown sugar and remaining cocoa and sprinkle liberally over the batter in the pan. Now pour hot water on top of the batter but don't stir it. Put in the oven and bake at 50 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until top of cake springs back when lightly touched.
Now after over an hour of baking, sit back, relax and enjoy the delicacy while still warm with ice cream on top. Yummy!
Chocolate oat cookies are a treat for the whole family. The recipe is so simple even your children can bake them in ten minutes!
To make them, you need the following ingredients:
* 3/4 lb. semisweet chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1 egg
* 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
* 3/4 cup all purpose flour
* 3/4 cup quick or old fashioned oats, uncooked
* 1 tsp. baking powder
* 1/4 tsp. baking soda
* 1/4 tsp. salt (optional)
Chocolate oat cookies:
First, preheat the oven to 375?F. While waiting for the oven to heat up, melt 1 cup of chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat. Beat butter and sugar in a bowl until fluffy while adding melted chocolate, egg and vanilla. Pour in the melted chocolate chips and stir well. Now place rounded tablespoonfuls of the mixture on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake them for 8 to 10 minutes. When it's done, leave to cool then place the cookies on to a wire rack.
If you wish to freeze the dessert, cool them quickly in the refrigerator to preserve the freshness. Then place them in freezer-proof containers or on sheets of aluminum foil. Make sure it is sealed properly by wrapping edges of the foil tightly. Place in the freezer. After awhile you may remove the baking sheet. Frozen cookies can be placed in the freezer for 2 months. If you wish to bake or reheat them, thaw completely before unwrapping.
The recipe for making chocolate oat cookies is kid safe. However, when using the oven and saucepan, parents' supervision is required.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Chocolate Fondue Fountain - Buyer's Guide - 10 Tips When Buying A Home Chocolate Fondue Fountain
Only a short while ago chocolate fondue fountains were expensive and striking luxury items for classy restuarants, commercial caterers and event planners. The products found on the market were strictly commercial items, costing quite considerable sums. These days however, buying a quality chocolate fondue fountain for your home is a realistic prospect: you can buy one of the many home product lines. They are affordable and the choice is broad. Keep these 10 tips in mind when setting out to buy your home chocolate fondue fountain.
1. You get what you pay for and the cheaper chocolate fondue fountains often have significant drawbacks to them (outlined below).
2. If you are searching the internet, be aware that the term 'chocolate fondue fountain' is synonymous with 'chocolate fountain' and more recently 'fondue fountain'.
3. Good home machines can be used for a range of substances, not just for chocolate. A number of quality home chocolate fondue fountains will also cascade sauces, salad dressing and even caramel. What this means is that, if you spend a little bit more, you should be able to get a machine for all types of parties and social occasions. Before you buy, think about what occasions you would like to use the machine for and then start looking around for a product to meet your needs.
4. You'll know you are looking at a high quality chocolate fondue fountain if its operation is quiet. This is the big give-away. A noisy machine is a real annoyance, completely nullifying the striking visual impact of the chocolate fondue fountain at your social occasion. Listen to a few cheaper models and you will know what I mean. Quality machines will say something like 'virtually silent' or 'whisper quiet' and they will live up to the description. If in doubt, go to a shop, have them plug it in so you can listen.
5. Go for stainless steel, it's hard-wearing and looks good.
6. Your chocolate fondue fountain should have variable temperature settings to allow you flexible and precise temperature control. This is will allow you to use a variety of hot and cold fondues, as mentioned at tip 3.
7. The chocolate fondue fountain should be easy to assemble/disassemble, and should have a removable basin/bowl.
8. The parts should be dishwasher safe and easy clean. Cheaper models often aren't.
9. The pump should be an auger-style pump - for a smooth delivery and flow. Again, cheaper models may not be. Note: some machines use a screw mechanism, not a pump. If you opt for one of these, go for quality and keep my other tips in mind all the same.
10. If the chocolate fondue fountain is not level, the flow will be uneven, and the machine unsteady, which may cause an unsightly fountain wobble. A chocolate fondue fountain tickles your sense of sight as much as it does your sense of taste, so get one with adjustable feet, or some other mechanism for keeping the product level. Again, quality models will have this feature - so make sure you look out for it. You should expect a 1-year warranty.
1. You get what you pay for and the cheaper chocolate fondue fountains often have significant drawbacks to them (outlined below).
2. If you are searching the internet, be aware that the term 'chocolate fondue fountain' is synonymous with 'chocolate fountain' and more recently 'fondue fountain'.
3. Good home machines can be used for a range of substances, not just for chocolate. A number of quality home chocolate fondue fountains will also cascade sauces, salad dressing and even caramel. What this means is that, if you spend a little bit more, you should be able to get a machine for all types of parties and social occasions. Before you buy, think about what occasions you would like to use the machine for and then start looking around for a product to meet your needs.
4. You'll know you are looking at a high quality chocolate fondue fountain if its operation is quiet. This is the big give-away. A noisy machine is a real annoyance, completely nullifying the striking visual impact of the chocolate fondue fountain at your social occasion. Listen to a few cheaper models and you will know what I mean. Quality machines will say something like 'virtually silent' or 'whisper quiet' and they will live up to the description. If in doubt, go to a shop, have them plug it in so you can listen.
5. Go for stainless steel, it's hard-wearing and looks good.
6. Your chocolate fondue fountain should have variable temperature settings to allow you flexible and precise temperature control. This is will allow you to use a variety of hot and cold fondues, as mentioned at tip 3.
7. The chocolate fondue fountain should be easy to assemble/disassemble, and should have a removable basin/bowl.
8. The parts should be dishwasher safe and easy clean. Cheaper models often aren't.
9. The pump should be an auger-style pump - for a smooth delivery and flow. Again, cheaper models may not be. Note: some machines use a screw mechanism, not a pump. If you opt for one of these, go for quality and keep my other tips in mind all the same.
10. If the chocolate fondue fountain is not level, the flow will be uneven, and the machine unsteady, which may cause an unsightly fountain wobble. A chocolate fondue fountain tickles your sense of sight as much as it does your sense of taste, so get one with adjustable feet, or some other mechanism for keeping the product level. Again, quality models will have this feature - so make sure you look out for it. You should expect a 1-year warranty.
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Hooray for Chocolate!
There is great news for chocolate lovers...Chocolate is good for your health! Now, we are not talking here about a candy bar but about real chocolate, the kind that contains at least 71% of real cocoa. Something to remember when selecting chocolate is that the darker it is, the less sugar it contains and the better it is for you.
We are all aware of the emotional benefits of chocolate. By liberating endorphins in the body, chocolate provides us with feelings of comfort and wellbeing, energy and pleasure. Some surveyed women go as far a saying that they would prefer chocolate to sex! No wonder with such a texture, rich color and taste, chocolate is not only an aphrodisiac but also a pleasure for the senses. In addition, chocolate also contains serotonin and caffeine which both provide energy and promote good humor.
Pleasure aside, chocolate also holds beneficial health properties. Chocolate's complex chemical composition offers a variety of substances that the body needs to function properly and to prevent disease.
Chocolate enhances cardiovascular health. Like red wine, the phenols contained in dark chocolate help prevent coronary diseases. The British Medical Journal reports that a daily portion of 100 grams of dark chocolate reduces blood pressure and the occurrence of cardiovascular incidents by 21%. These phenols are also rich in antioxidants and they help neutralize free radicals produced by the body or absorbed thought cigarette smoke and other sources of pollution. Cocoa butter is already used in creams to heal scars and burns. No wonder pharmaceutical companies are now exploring the possibility of researching with chocolate to develop new medication to counter cancers and osteoporosis.
Chocolate does contain fats but these are unsaturated and contribute to reducing bad cholesterol and to increasing good cholesterol. Chocolate is also an excellent source of magnesium. Should it contain nuts, chocolate can become a great source phosphor and vegetable iron.
One of the many benefits of living in our time is that there is a plethora of organic and fair trade chocolates that are readily available to us in natural health food and grocery stores. The benefits of purchasing these types of chocolates abound but the most obvious are that they do not contain organochlorine pesticides that are usually used to treat traditional cocoa crops and that are harmful not only to the consumer but also to the field worker. Furthermore, purchasing fair trade chocolate ensures that the (healthier) worker can benefit from improved working and living conditions by receiving a fair salary for their work.
Like with everything however, chocolate must be consumed in good measure. Chocolate increases caloric intake and energy level. This can be good, provided these calories are burned. We might even change the saying to "Some chocolate everyday keeps the doctor away!"
We are all aware of the emotional benefits of chocolate. By liberating endorphins in the body, chocolate provides us with feelings of comfort and wellbeing, energy and pleasure. Some surveyed women go as far a saying that they would prefer chocolate to sex! No wonder with such a texture, rich color and taste, chocolate is not only an aphrodisiac but also a pleasure for the senses. In addition, chocolate also contains serotonin and caffeine which both provide energy and promote good humor.
Pleasure aside, chocolate also holds beneficial health properties. Chocolate's complex chemical composition offers a variety of substances that the body needs to function properly and to prevent disease.
Chocolate enhances cardiovascular health. Like red wine, the phenols contained in dark chocolate help prevent coronary diseases. The British Medical Journal reports that a daily portion of 100 grams of dark chocolate reduces blood pressure and the occurrence of cardiovascular incidents by 21%. These phenols are also rich in antioxidants and they help neutralize free radicals produced by the body or absorbed thought cigarette smoke and other sources of pollution. Cocoa butter is already used in creams to heal scars and burns. No wonder pharmaceutical companies are now exploring the possibility of researching with chocolate to develop new medication to counter cancers and osteoporosis.
Chocolate does contain fats but these are unsaturated and contribute to reducing bad cholesterol and to increasing good cholesterol. Chocolate is also an excellent source of magnesium. Should it contain nuts, chocolate can become a great source phosphor and vegetable iron.
One of the many benefits of living in our time is that there is a plethora of organic and fair trade chocolates that are readily available to us in natural health food and grocery stores. The benefits of purchasing these types of chocolates abound but the most obvious are that they do not contain organochlorine pesticides that are usually used to treat traditional cocoa crops and that are harmful not only to the consumer but also to the field worker. Furthermore, purchasing fair trade chocolate ensures that the (healthier) worker can benefit from improved working and living conditions by receiving a fair salary for their work.
Like with everything however, chocolate must be consumed in good measure. Chocolate increases caloric intake and energy level. This can be good, provided these calories are burned. We might even change the saying to "Some chocolate everyday keeps the doctor away!"
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Cozy Up With These "Oh So Good" Hot Chocolate Recipes
When it's cold and frosty outside, there's nothing better than curling up with a nice big mug of homemade hot chocolate. Why pay several dollars for a cup of gourmet hot chocolate when you can easily learn how to make your own delicious hot chocolate drink?
You can make the classic creamy hot chocolate, or get a little adventurous and try the white chocolate or Mexican hot chocolate recipe. If you enjoy giving hot chocolate as a gift, then you may wish to make your own hot chocolate mix and put it in decorative glass jars.
The following hot chocolate recipes can be made the old fashioned way, using a pan and a stovetop. Or, you may wish to purchase a hot chocolate maker to speed things up.
However you decide to make it, you'll definitely enjoy the aroma and flavors of a delicious hot chocolate drink tickling your taste buds, and warming your tummy during the long winter days and nights.
Creamy Hot Chocolate
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)
? cup unsweetened cocoa
1 ? teaspoons vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 ? cups hot water
Marshmallows (optional)
Directions
In large saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk,
cocoa, vanilla, and salt; mix well. Slowly stir in water. Heat through, stirring
occasionally. Do not boil. Top with marshmallows. Store covered in
refrigerator. *Will last up to 5 days.
Makes 8 servings.
Easy Mexican Hot Chocolate
3 tablespoons instant hot chocolate mix
1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
? teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch chili powder
? cup milk
? cup boiling water
Directions
In a large mug, mix the hot chocolate mix, chocolate syrup, cinnamon, and chili powder. Pour in the milk. Add the boiling water and stir.
Makes 2 servings.
Spicy White Hot Chocolate
3 ? cups 2% fat milk
6 oz. white chocolate, chopped
1 egg, beaten
? teaspoon cayenne pepper
? teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
Place the white chocolate in a medium metal bowl over a pan of barely simmering
water, or in the top half of a double boiler. Allow the chocolate to melt, stirring
occasionally until smooth. Stir in cayenne pepper and cinnamon. Whisk in the egg
until smooth.
Gradually whisk in one cup of the milk until completely incorporated, about 2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in remaining milk, and heat until hot, but not simmering. (You don't
want a skin to form on top of the milk). Chocolate will be ready to drink when either
the taste of the cayenne is masked by the temperature of the milk (the spiciness of
the pepper will remain), or when the hot chocolate is at your desired temperature.
Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Makes 4 servings.
Zingy Mocha Hot Chocolate
? cup semisweet chocolate chips
? cup milk
? teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 dash hot chili powder
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
? cup cold milk
Marshmallows and chocolate sprinkles (optional)
Directions
Combine the chocolate chips and milk in a glass or plastic dish, microwave on high,
stirring every 20 - 30 seconds, until melted and smooth. Mix in the coffee, cinnamon, and hot chili powder until the instant coffee has dissolved. Stir in the cold milk.
Strain into 2 mugs. Thin with additional milk, if desired. Garnish with marshmallows
and chocolate sprinkles.
Makes 2 servings.
Peanut Buttercup Hot Chocolate
1 (1 oz.) envelope instant hot chocolate mix
2 teaspoons creamy peanut butter
Directions
In a mug, prepare chocolate mix as directed on package. Stir in 1 or 2 teaspoons
of peanut butter. Enjoy.
Makes 1 serving.
Russian Hot Chocolate
1 oz. vanilla flavored vodka
? oz. amaretto liqueur
1 tablespoon instant hot chocolate mix
4 oz. hot milk
Directions
In a coffee mug, pour in the vanilla vodka, amaretto, and add the hot
chocolate mix. Pour in the hot milk and stir to blend well.
Makes 1 serving.
Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe
11 cups dry milk powder
1 (8 oz.) container powdered non-dairy creamer
2 ? cups confectioners' sugar
1 (16 oz) container instant chocolate drink mix
Directions
Sift together the powdered milk, non-dairy creamer, powdered sugar and instant
chocolate drink mix. Store in air tight containers or glass jars for gift giving
To use: Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of mix to 1 cup of water. Add a dash of cinnamon,
If desired.
Make 80 servings.
You can make the classic creamy hot chocolate, or get a little adventurous and try the white chocolate or Mexican hot chocolate recipe. If you enjoy giving hot chocolate as a gift, then you may wish to make your own hot chocolate mix and put it in decorative glass jars.
The following hot chocolate recipes can be made the old fashioned way, using a pan and a stovetop. Or, you may wish to purchase a hot chocolate maker to speed things up.
However you decide to make it, you'll definitely enjoy the aroma and flavors of a delicious hot chocolate drink tickling your taste buds, and warming your tummy during the long winter days and nights.
Creamy Hot Chocolate
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)
? cup unsweetened cocoa
1 ? teaspoons vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 ? cups hot water
Marshmallows (optional)
Directions
In large saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk,
cocoa, vanilla, and salt; mix well. Slowly stir in water. Heat through, stirring
occasionally. Do not boil. Top with marshmallows. Store covered in
refrigerator. *Will last up to 5 days.
Makes 8 servings.
Easy Mexican Hot Chocolate
3 tablespoons instant hot chocolate mix
1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
? teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch chili powder
? cup milk
? cup boiling water
Directions
In a large mug, mix the hot chocolate mix, chocolate syrup, cinnamon, and chili powder. Pour in the milk. Add the boiling water and stir.
Makes 2 servings.
Spicy White Hot Chocolate
3 ? cups 2% fat milk
6 oz. white chocolate, chopped
1 egg, beaten
? teaspoon cayenne pepper
? teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
Place the white chocolate in a medium metal bowl over a pan of barely simmering
water, or in the top half of a double boiler. Allow the chocolate to melt, stirring
occasionally until smooth. Stir in cayenne pepper and cinnamon. Whisk in the egg
until smooth.
Gradually whisk in one cup of the milk until completely incorporated, about 2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in remaining milk, and heat until hot, but not simmering. (You don't
want a skin to form on top of the milk). Chocolate will be ready to drink when either
the taste of the cayenne is masked by the temperature of the milk (the spiciness of
the pepper will remain), or when the hot chocolate is at your desired temperature.
Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Makes 4 servings.
Zingy Mocha Hot Chocolate
? cup semisweet chocolate chips
? cup milk
? teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 dash hot chili powder
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
? cup cold milk
Marshmallows and chocolate sprinkles (optional)
Directions
Combine the chocolate chips and milk in a glass or plastic dish, microwave on high,
stirring every 20 - 30 seconds, until melted and smooth. Mix in the coffee, cinnamon, and hot chili powder until the instant coffee has dissolved. Stir in the cold milk.
Strain into 2 mugs. Thin with additional milk, if desired. Garnish with marshmallows
and chocolate sprinkles.
Makes 2 servings.
Peanut Buttercup Hot Chocolate
1 (1 oz.) envelope instant hot chocolate mix
2 teaspoons creamy peanut butter
Directions
In a mug, prepare chocolate mix as directed on package. Stir in 1 or 2 teaspoons
of peanut butter. Enjoy.
Makes 1 serving.
Russian Hot Chocolate
1 oz. vanilla flavored vodka
? oz. amaretto liqueur
1 tablespoon instant hot chocolate mix
4 oz. hot milk
Directions
In a coffee mug, pour in the vanilla vodka, amaretto, and add the hot
chocolate mix. Pour in the hot milk and stir to blend well.
Makes 1 serving.
Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe
11 cups dry milk powder
1 (8 oz.) container powdered non-dairy creamer
2 ? cups confectioners' sugar
1 (16 oz) container instant chocolate drink mix
Directions
Sift together the powdered milk, non-dairy creamer, powdered sugar and instant
chocolate drink mix. Store in air tight containers or glass jars for gift giving
To use: Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of mix to 1 cup of water. Add a dash of cinnamon,
If desired.
Make 80 servings.
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